How to Choose the Right Gaming Console for You

NOTE: This article only covers the general features and purposes of popular gaming consoles; It is NOT an in-depth look at its core capabilities. Are you a casual gamer, or more of a hardcore enthusiast? What is the meaning of a great gaming machine? Find out what is right for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. GAMEPLAY & LEARNING CURVE - NINTENDO Wii
   
   Choosing the best entertainment machine greatly depends on your tastes. A lot of people tend to justify a console's fun factor based on its graphics. What does fun mean to you? If you're more interested in quick play, the ability to simply grab the controller and play with little learning curve, the Nintendo Wii may be the right choice for you. Heck, you can even get together with friends and do quick rounds of gaming every now and then. If you're one who likes interaction (as opposed to graphics)the Nintendo Wii features motion-sensors on the controllers which allow players to better interact with the games. Imagine yourself bowling in real life: The same exact way you would move and throw the ball at the local bowling club would be compared when playing a bowling game on the Wii. This console requires you to move and swing in almost realistic manners.
2. GRAPHICS & STYLE - Nintendo Wii
   
   The Wii is not known as a graphical powerhouse. Most of its games' graphics look to that of a six-year-old product. If you need a daily dose of eye candy, and do not care whatsoever on the innovative gameplay style, I suggest you go elsewhere (more details on this shortly.) Also, for a number of years now, Nintendo has focused more on family values than realistic gaming when it comes to style. It is often much harder to find a mature game for a Nintendo console than it is for any other gaming machine out there. If you're a hardcore fan - Let's say you enjoy killing people and stealing cars in games - avoid the Nintendo Wii.
   Overall, consider this console if you are a fan of old school gaming, simplicity, and/or retro experiences.
3. PLAY STATION 3
   
   Sony's gaming console, the Play Station 3 (also known as PS3) is magnificent for people who:
   
   - Enjoy maturity: Expect games that are more likely to include violence, nudity, and profanity.
   
   - Enjoy high graphical capability: Expect games that simply look astounding with environments, expressions and interactivity that will, in many cases, take your breath away.
   
   This console is more dedicated to hardcore gamers; the ones who enjoy a good game of action/adventure and do not mind spending hours, days, weeks, or months attempting to reach the end of the game.
   
   The Play Station 3 console also includes six-axis sensor functionality on its controller (for real time gestures/movement), though it was never fully polished for true interaction.
4. XBOX 360
   
   It is tough to distinguish Microsoft's console from Sony's when it comes to graphical power & gaming needs. Just for the record, the Play Station 3 has the most powerful graphical capability out of these top three. Their games can vary greatly from bike racing, to more serious games aimed for the more mature gamer.
   
   The games are great on this console, and the same can be said about the above two as well. Both the XBOX 360 and the Play Station 3 look great on a big screen TV, especially one with High Definition Capability.
5. OTHERS
   
   Play Station 2
   This heavyweight offers a great diversity of gaming entertainment. Its games library is huge, considering the console is now seven years old, but still holding on very, very strong. This one is also intended for the hardcore gamer (typically.)
   
   Nintendo DS
   This one is more of a handheld/portable device. It's greatly based on a touch-screen (sensitive) controls that help you interact with your character more efficiently by manipulating the screen itself, rather than using traditional directional pads/buttons at all times. Do not expect many hardcore games, but instead more family-oriented themes and creative fun. For example, games typically available may include "virtual pets" types, mini games such as popping balloons, and many others that do not share a linear progression in order to beat them.
   
   PSP
   Consider the PSP a portable version of the Play Station 2. It still has a lot of great games (mostly hardcore), it is well-suited for playing movies (that's right, full motion pictures look great on this baby)and you can carry it around.
6. Besides gaming needs, it might be helpful to also consider the price of a gaming console (for those who find it more difficult to purchase anything that meets the eye.) Read the general tips and warnings of this article to better understand what some of these consoles can do.

Tips & Warnings

• The Play Station 2 and Play Station 3 are backward-compatible; if you buy a PS2, for example, you will still be able to play older games from the original Play Station.
• The Nintendo Wii is fully compatible with Game Cube games, Nintendo's predecessor.
• The Nintendo DS is also compatible with Game Boy/Game Boy Advance games, and features third-party devices to support full motion pictures.
• The XBOX 360 is not yet 100% compatible with the original XBOX games, but a good quantity of games are playable.
• All consoles above are capable of connecting to the World Wide Web, allowing for updates and online gaming around the world.
• See external links below for a full explanation of capabilities, videos in action, and prices.